Ayaselva is a small, family-owned ayahuasca retreat center located in the Peruvian Amazon near Iquitos. By welcoming a maximum of six guests per retreat, we create a personal, safe, and supportive environment where every participant receives individual attention throughout their healing journey.

At Ayaselva, we believe healing extends far beyond the ceremonies themselves. Every aspect of the retreat is designed to support your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Rather than offering a commercial experience, we focus on authentic healing, compassionate guidance, and respect for the medicine and its traditions.

Our all-inclusive retreats include comfortable accommodation, freshly prepared meals following the recommended ayahuasca diet, transportation between Iquitos and the retreat center, nature excursions, wellness activities, cultural experiences, and continuous support before, during, and after your stay. We also provide thorough preparation, confidential health screening, personal guidance, and ongoing integration support to help you bring your insights into everyday life.

Our retreats combine authentic Amazonian ayahuasca ceremonies with careful preparation, guided integration, sharing circles, flower baths, meditation, jungle walks, and other traditional healing practices.
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Arnaldo
Born and raised in Tamshiyacu, Peru, Arnaldo comes from a Mestizo lineage with extensive knowledge of traditional Amazonian plant medicine. From an early age, he developed a deep fascination with the healing plants of the rainforest and dedicated himself to learning their wisdom.
Rather than calling himself a healer, Arnaldo humbly describes his role as an intermediary between the spirit world and the earthly world. His ceremonies are guided with deep respect for the medicine, compassion, and genuine care for every participant. Guests often describe him as calm, humble, and deeply committed to helping others on their healing journey.

Vanesa
Vanesa was born and raised in Iquitos. After struggling with bulimia during her youth, she discovered ayahuasca at the age of seventeen. Guided by a Mestizo maestro through an intensive traditional dieta, she experienced a profound transformation that completely changed the direction of her life.
Following her own healing, Vanesa dedicated herself to helping others. She worked at several respected ayahuasca centers in Peru and internationally, gaining years of experience supporting guests throughout their journeys. Together with Peter, she founded Ayaselva with the vision of creating a place where people could heal in a safe, personal, and loving environment while also supporting the local community.

Peter
Originally from the Netherlands, Peter has a background in engineering and spent many years working in technical industries before ayahuasca transformed his own life. His experiences inspired a profound shift in perspective, increasing his compassion and understanding of others.
Today, Peter combines his organizational and technical skills with a passion for creating a retreat where guests feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for from the moment they arrive until long after they return home.

Elva
Elva, Vanesa’s mother, grew up with a father who was an experienced ayahuasquero. Throughout her life she has accumulated extensive knowledge of Amazonian medicinal plants and traditional healing practices.
She lovingly shares this knowledge with guests while also caring for the beautiful gardens surrounding Ayaselva. Her deep connection with nature is unmistakable—you might even catch her talking to the plants. Her warmth, wisdom, and nurturing presence make everyone feel at home.

Jackson
Jackson, Vanesa’s brother, helps maintain the beauty and peaceful atmosphere of Ayaselva. Together with Arnaldo, he also assists in the traditional preparation of the ayahuasca medicine, following time-honored Amazonian practices.
Always smiling and full of positive energy, Jackson’s kindness and enthusiasm contribute greatly to the welcoming atmosphere that guests experience throughout their stay.

Denisse
Denisse is responsible for preparing the delicious, nutritious meals served throughout each retreat. Even while following the traditional ayahuasca diet, she creates fresh, varied, and flavorful dishes that guests consistently appreciate.
She happily accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements whenever possible, ensuring everyone feels well nourished and cared for during their healing journey. Her attention to detail and genuine hospitality help make every guest feel at home.

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